Government Conspiracy & Chaos @ the Zoo

My 5th graders came in yesterday genuinely concerned that...

"The government buys out major corporations that have recently found cures for things like cancer and then they keep the drugs and research from being used to treat illness and disease."
"That is ridiculous!"
"Why would they do such a thing that is so harmful to everyone in America?"

I allowed a few minutes for the students to express their concern and gave some them time to discuss and debate. I then asked, "How did you get on this topic of government conspiracy?"
No one knew.

I asked if they read an article or saw a news story that caused concern. No answer.

Then a student piped up and said, "Wait a minute. We are arguing over something that is possibly a non issue? Do we even know if this is really happening?" Again, silence. Student lets out a sigh, "guys this is not a good use of our time." Then, all eyes turned to me.

Book club begins.

The discussion centered around RULES. (the title of the book)
-How do you feel about rules?
-What is a rule you WISH students in our school would follow?
-What would happen to the world if there were not any rules?

That last question struck a cord with a couple of students. One student sat silently for a minute and then said, "Think of it like this: Rules are like animals in a cage. Picture the zoo. There is order in a zoo and every animal has its own habitat and food. When there are no rules it is as if the cages are lifted from the animals. This creates utter chaos among the animals. We are no different as people. Humans without rules or laws... I cannot even imagine the chaos that would follow."

Another student looked up sweetly and said, "Nice use of a simile! Rules ARE like animals in a cage."

Many of these students have been working together since kindergarten or 1st grade. I love how open and honest they are- they are not afraid to share their feelings. They have the ability to poke fun at each others quirks and not take personal offense.

When they were gluing their author study pages into their journals one student used the purple glue stick to write I am cool on his paper. Another student looked at him with a serious expression and in an even tone said, "That paper won't stick to your journal."

The student questioned, "Why not?"

Without missing a beat, he added..."Because lies don't stick."

Instead of being hurt or offended the student with the glue laughed and said, "Good one!"

Government Conspiracy,
Chaos at the zoo,
& Lies don't stick.

...all in a 30 minute session.